The Chair of Saint Peter (Latin: Cathedra Petri), also known as the Throne of Saint Peter, is a relic conserved in St. Peter’s Ba-silica, enclosed in a sculpted gilt bronze casing.

The name derives from the Latin cathedra meaning chair or throne, which is used to de-note the chair or seat of a bishop (hence the term cathedral for the main church in an episcopal see). Today’s feast of the chair of Peter celebrates not only the triumph of Christ’s grace in the heart and soul of Peter, but his status as the primary pastor and teacher of the Church. The chair is the symbol of his teaching authority, as it is of every bishop.

Peter was Jesus’ chief apostle whom later Catholic tradition regards as the first pope. Born in the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee, his original Hebrew name was rendered in Greek as Simon, but Jesus gave him a new name, the Aramaic word for “rock” rendered in Greek as Kephas. Sometimes he is referred to in the New Testament as Simon Peter

In the Gospel proclamation today when Jesus asked a question, He was making a point. Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, away from their own territory. It was a place of idolatry and oppression – a threatening place both politically and spiritually. In this environment, Jesus posed two important questions about the perception of His identity. He was not interested in His popularity rating. He wanted His followers to be sure about the One they were following.

Today our culture is just as hostile and opposed to Jesus. People offer a long list of inadequate and incorrect ideas about Jesus, ranging from “just a good teacher” all the way to “divisive” and “intolerant.”The real question was and continues to be: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15). At the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter by the Sea of Galilee, where today’s Gospel story took place, there’s a sign that says, “The deeds and miracles of Jesus are not actions of the past. Jesus is waiting for those who are still prepared to take risks at His word because they trust His power utterly.”

Prayer: Abba Father, Peter had a divine revelation with which he boldly proclaimed your Son as the Christ, the Son of the living God. We pray for the same boldness and revelation to proclaim you as our Lord and Savior. Amen.